Italian pioneer in drug abuse rehabilitation on short Malta visit

Don Antonio Mazzi, the 88-year-old Italian pioneer in drug abuse rehabilitation centres, arrived in Malta on Monday on a 24-hour visit as guest of the Ordo Byzantinus Sancti Sepulchri (OBSS).

He was accompanied by two Members of his "Exodus Foundation", Cristina Mazza and Roberto Sartori , together with the Prior and Council Members of the OBSS Priory of Varese, Comm. Franco Franchi, Chev. Francesco Leo and Chev. Giovanni Vicenzino.

The Exodus Foundation runs 40 Community Centres in Italy and abroad, providing a home to hundreds of victims seeking assistance to beat their drug abuse problem.

Don Mazzi and his group were welcomed at the Airport by Prof. Alfred J. Baldacchino and by Chev. Anthony Coleiro, Prince Grand Master and Grand Chancellor respectively of OBSS.

The delegation visited the Caritas Home in San Blas, where they were met by the Administrator Anthony Gatt and by the Chairman of the Reform Committee CCF - Anthony Ellul.

After a brief tour of the facility, the parties exchanged experiences in drug victim rehabilitation programs in Italy and Malta. This was followed by a presentation to the residents of San Blas, who then recounted their experiences and the progress they were making in their journey out of the drug world.

The delegation was highly impressed with the facilities and professional guidance available to the residents of San Blas.

Both sides agreed to promote cooperation between San Blas and the Exodus Foundation.

"Don Mazzi and I first met in Manduria (Puglia) some 30 years ago, during one of his earlier ventures in combatting drug abuse" said Prof. Baldacchino, who organised the visit to Malta.

The delegation was hosted to dinner by OBSS and were joined by Lieutenant Chev. Anthony Ventura, the Grand Prior of Malta Chev. Joe Cutajar and their Consorts.

A courtesy visit to the Minister for Home Affairs, Hon. Michael Farrugia, was cancelled due to the Minister's family mourning.

The delegation left Malta on Tuesday.

 

from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2GLiFtm
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